Synthetic chemicals known as PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” have been detected in the majority of beers tested across the United States, according to new research published in Environmental Science & Technology. The study, conducted by researchers affiliated with the American Chemical Society, reveals that beers brewed in regions with known PFAS-contaminated water sources contained the highest levels of these potentially hazardous compounds.
PFAS—short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—comprise a group of over 9,000 man-made chemicals linked to serious health risks, including cancer, liver damage, and hormonal disruption. These compounds are notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body, earning them the “forever chemicals” moniker. Previously found in products ranging from non-stick cookware and processed foods to drinking water systems, PFAS are now being identified in a new, unexpected source: beer.
Lead researcher Jennifer Hoponick Redmon explained the motivation behind the study. “As an occasional beer drinker myself, I wondered whether PFAS in water supplies was making its way into our pints,” she stated in a press release. “I hope these findings inspire water treatment strategies and policies that help reduce the likelihood of PFAS in future pours.”
Beer, composed of about 90% water, is especially vulnerable to waterborne contaminants. According to the study, it can take nearly two gallons of water to produce just a quarter gallon of beer, increasing the risk of PFAS exposure during production. While most breweries employ water filtration systems, these systems are generally not designed to remove PFAS compounds.
Approximately 18% of U.S. breweries operate in ZIP codes served by public water systems where PFAS have been detected, the study notes.
Researchers used a modified U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method to test 23 beer samples. While the specific brands were not disclosed, the selection included beers from U.S. breweries in areas with known PFAS contamination, as well as popular domestic and international brands with undetermined water sources.
PFAS were detected in 95% of the beers tested. The highest concentrations and most diverse range of PFAS compounds were found in samples from Chatham County and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, as well as St. Louis County, Missouri—regions with documented PFAS presence in municipal water supplies.
Significantly, two PFAS compounds of particular concern—perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)—were identified in several samples. Both chemicals are associated with serious health hazards and are subject to regulatory scrutiny.
The study’s findings underscore the potential for waterborne PFAS contamination to permeate into widely consumed products like beer. Researchers advocate for increased awareness among brewers, consumers, and policymakers, along with possible upgrades to water treatment infrastructure at breweries, in order to mitigate future PFAS exposure.
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